Telecommunications equipment that requires an import permit to Cuba

Although unknown to many, there are various computer and telecommunications equipment, parts, and implements that require prior approval or a permit for importation into Cuba, which must be issued by the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM).

The importance of knowing which items of this type require an entry permit to the Island is essential.

In accordance with the provisions of Resolution 272 of 2015 of the Cuban Ministry of Communications, the following is implemented at the time of import clearance before Cuban Customs:

"Natural persons may import the following telecommunications equipment, parts, and implements for non-commercial purposes, provided they present to Customs the permit issued by the Ministry of Communications prior to importation."

The equipment, parts and implements that require a permit for entry into Cuba are the following:

• Wireless fax machines.
• Telephone boards of all kinds.
• Data network devices: “routers” and “switches”.
• Wireless access points such as RLAN and other similar devices, except for WiFi, which is regulated by a specific regulatory provision.
• Cordless phones that operate on bands other than 49Mhz and 1.9, 2.4 and 5.7 Ghz.
• Wireless microphones and their accessories.
• Radio transmitters of any nature and service (radars, radio beacons, radio links, people pagers, broadcasting, telemetry equipment, remote control and other similar equipment).
• Radio transceivers (fixed, mobile and personal station equipment (walkie-talkie).
• Professional radio receivers (other than the domestic radio and television sets indicated in Section One)
• Earth stations and satellite communications terminals (including satellite TV receiving stations, satellite dishes, their accessories, and portable or other satellite telephones).
• Equipment intended for the mass dissemination of data, text or voice via wireless means.

You can request an import authorization for the equipment you wish to import before traveling abroad. This is an option you may want to consider if you have planned your trip and the import of one of these items well in advance.

Please see the list of equipment that will be granted import licenses, in accordance with the provisions of MINCOM/98 Resolutions 99 and 2019 on Private Data Networks: Here

What happens if you don't have an import permit upon arrival on the island?

As established by Resolution 272 of the Ministry of Communications, individuals or legal entities that do not present to Customs the authorization established for the importation of the aforementioned computer and telecommunications equipment, parts, and implements will have the item seized.

The passenger is granted a term of 10 days, from the date of retention in Customs to submit the authorization request to the General Directorate of Communications, which must rule on it within 10 days after the date of receipt of the request.

Likewise, when at the time of importation the passenger does not present the prior permit established for the aforementioned computer and telecommunications equipment, parts and implements, he will be given a period of 30 days to obtain the authorization and returncuperar the team against Customs.

If, at the end of these 30 days following the date of retention at Customs, the proper permit has not been presented, the entity will proceed to apply the appropriate administrative measure, in this case, legal abandonment of goods.

We suggest you consult for more information: What is abandonment of merchandise at Cuban Customs?

Our recommendation is that if Customs holds the item you wish to import, you should not delay processing the authorization request with the Directorate General of Communications. Any delay in approving your request may coincide with the expiration of the Customs hold period, and you may lose your item, with no possibility of recovery.cupit was.

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